First time at Strange Fruit. Another one of the places you start going down a set of steps and you have no idea what is on the other side. I had some indecision about which show to go to, but after I thought about it, I really wanted to hear some amazing rock. And knowing 3 out of 4 of these bands [ALMOST personally, ironic HUE, you still elude me! *shakes fist*], ...as always, I knew I was going to hear some amazing music. Lights here are pretty scarce, so I am quite disappointed in the video, as my phone just ... DIDN'T. So forgive me, don't hold it against the music. One of these days I will get myself some actual professional equipment, until then....
I'm never going to stop telling everyone how amazing Julia Dream is. Yes, I know I am biased, but look here... They are one of those bands that just draws you in. Even knowing pretty much everything they play by heart, having seen them so many times, occasionally hanging out with them, and usurping their guitarist/vocalist to be my guitar teacher... I love this band and will support them in every way I possibly can. You couldn't find a nicer group of guys if you tried [I'm looking at you in particular 염상훈], or a more deceptively aloof, yet ridiculously hilarious bass player [that would be you, Byoung Kyu Son], or a more passionate musician with, no lie, a complete heart of gold [don't worry, I still expect to pay for lessons 선생님, aka 박준형]. OKOK, I HAVE a point, really. Julia Dream is a [relatively] new band, with just a few songs. One of the things that really struck me is how very different each song sounds, while still maintaining a cohesive element. I can't even quite put my finger on it... while you can define the whole piece as "psychedelic rock"... the individual parts... The first time I heard "Minor Extacy Blues"... it started in and I thought to myself, "Wait... Blues?" and yet by the end, I was SO convinced [I think it's now my favorite song]. Do I go to every show? No. I can't. Because I want to make sure each time I see them, I come with a fresh perspective. I suppose my point here is... people that love music will love Julia Dream. There is just no question. Quality over quantity. Maybe that's it -- that indefinable cohesive element -- quality.
0Sinho
Dark, pleading vocals... with just enough rawness to cut into your consciousness. Layered over what appear to be fairly drum lines, pulling you in with those nice heavy bass lines. The resident badass [yeah, I said it], mentioned Sonic Youth as a similar sound and I would have to agree. Although SY is not entirely on my radar, a quick listen and I can definitely concur. I think Strange Fruit was the perfect venue to see 0Sinho... dark and raw, yet inviting. I love shows like this where everyone pretty much already knows everyone so it's really more like a vaguely-scheduled jam session between friends. Rockstar friends that go out drinking together until 6am [oh yeah, that happened].
ironic HUE
Wait, didn't I JUST write up a huge thing on ironic HUE? [see post just previous to this] If I give them too much love here, will it be overly-obvious how much I love them? Just so I don't write another novel-length love letter to the entire band, I will keep this one a bit short and sweet. ironic HUE: I am in complete awe of everything you all do. Your music makes me FEEL. Every song is laced with feelings, heavy with emotion... you are perfection in musical form. FACT.I don't know how to say "You play with such masterful-ness, such ease, that I am jealous unto my very core." in Korean. It is because of this that terms such as "badass" get bandied about, and then I get teased. The thing is, when I am recording Missing Lucille, I often end up with huge files because I can't stop recording I am so afraid I will miss something. And these video files are shaky because I can't help myself, I'm tapping my feet and moving along with the music. That just can't be helped. Missing Lucille is one of those bands that seems to be at home in every venue I see them in. Their connection to the crowd is palpable. You can FEEL the rock filling the entire room from floor to ceiling and everything in between. I think Strange Fruit might just be my favorite venue I have seen them in so far. The darkness, the moodiness, the smoking... fit right in to the sullen mood of the music and just made it a complete experience. Extra Badass included. *coughcough* Woo Seok Kang *coughcough*
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